Older people urged to master the Internet in light of benefit reforms

West Midlands social housing provider, The Accord Group, is urging more older people to get to grips with the Internet, in preparation for benefit changes that come into effect in April.

By providing free Internet training workshops, the group hope to see more people able to update their claims online and not be left behind by government policy.

Louise Creswick, resident engagement manager for Green Square Accord, commented on the challenge: “Being able to navigate the Internet successfully and with confidence will become increasingly important to our customers.

“Residents who receive benefits will be expected to manage their claims online for the first time from next year, so it’s vital that they are equipped with the right skills to do this.

“Our free workshops will help people to do this and find out about all the other benefits that using the Internet can bring, such as searching and applying for jobs or finding out about local services in their areas.”

Benefit reforms remain a hot political topic, with the Coalition having yesterday voted through a cap on annual rises in order to save £5bn over the next five years. It was a Bill that divided Parliament, seeing four Liberal Democrat MPs rebel and Labour MP David Miliband described it as ‘rancid’.

Work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith hit back by accusing the Labour party of having used benefits to ‘buy votes’ during their 13 years in power.